Judy Bell, dynamic head of North Yorkshire farm cheesemakers Shepherds Purse, has always believed in being hands-on. So when it came to topping-out the new production building on the family farm, who better to climb the ladders than Judy?

'We needed this extra space so we can produce more to meet the demand for our cheese. I’m delighted the roof is now on,' said Judy. Fitting out is now underway, and new vats will shortly be at work turning out the famous Yorkshire Blue, Mrs Bells Blue and Buffalo Blue, all recent prize winners at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Judy is still actively involved in developing the firm’s award-winning hand-made cheeses which are now stocked by major supermarkets as well as specialist shops across the country.

The new building has been aided by a grant from DEFRA’s Rural Development Service which backed Shepherds Purse’s plan to expand their business and increase employment in a rural area.